04/29/2026
🪱 Are all leeches the same?
Not quite. Out of hundreds of species, only a few—like Hirudo medicinalis, Hirudo verbana, and related species—are commonly used in modern hirudotherapy. These are selected because their saliva contains specific bioactive compounds that support circulation and healing.
Due to overuse in the past, some species became protected, which is why today medical leeches are sourced from specialized farms—not from the wild. It’s a controlled, safe way to continue this therapy responsibly. 🌿